We always knew Phil Jones was a decent defender.
Well, not really, but he’s certainly gone very slightly up in our estimation this evening, following a moment in the first-half of Man United’s match with Newcastle.
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With around 15 minutes on the clock, the boneheaded centre-back was hassled into conceding possession by the lively Ayoze Perez, after caught dawdling with the ball on the edge of his own area.
The ball then run through to Solomon Rondon, who was through on goal with just David De Gea to beat.
But, rather surprisingly, Jones managed to recover ground on the striker and produced a fine sliding tackle from behind to win back possession.
It was inch-perfect and beautifully timed. To be honest, we didn’t really think he had it in him.
Of course, Jones is usually a bit of comedic figure.
Remember that majestic own goal he scored against Valencia last month?
Let’s be honest, we love Jones for the memes, but surely United need a better back-up centre-back than him?
With Eric Bailly currently suspended and Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo out with knocks, it’s frightening to think that he’s their only option at the back.
What’s even scarier is that he was part of England’s World Cup squad over the summer.
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